Sepsis

Sepsis is a complication of an infection. It happens when chemicals from the immune system trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. Antibiotics and fluids are used to treat sepsis.

Sepsis Overview

Reviewed: May 22, 2014

Updated: January 5, 2016

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection. Sepsis occurs when your body has an overwhelming immune response to a bacterial infection and chemicals released into the bloodstream to fight the infection trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to blood clots and damaged blood vessels, which causes poor blood flow. The organs are deprived of nutrients and oxygen, which can cause damage multiple organ systems and cause them to fail.

Common symptoms of sepsis are fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, rash, confusion, and disorientation.

If sepsis progresses to septic shock, blood pressure drops dramatically and the heart weakens, which may lead to death.

Sepsis is most common and most dangerous in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Early treatment of sepsis usually involves antibiotics and large amounts of intravenous fluids.

Sepsis Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose sepsis using a blood test to see if the number of white blood cells is abnormal. They also do lab tests that check for signs of infection. Diagnosing sepsis can be difficult because its signs and symptoms can be caused by other disorders. Doctors often order a battery of tests, including imaging scans and tests of blood or other bodily fluids, to try to pinpoint the underlying infection.

Living With Sepsis

People with sepsis are usually treated in hospital intensive care units. Doctors try to treat the infection, prevent damage to the vital organs, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Many patients receive oxygen and intravenous fluids during treatment. Other types of treatment, such as respirators or kidney dialysis, may be necessary.

vasopressors. If your blood pressure remains low even after receiving intravenous fluids, you may be given a vasopressor medication, which helps to increase blood pressure.

Other medications that are used to treat sepsis include low doses of corticosteroids, insulin to help maintain stable blood sugar levels, drugs that modify the immune system responses, and painkillers or sedatives.

Surgery may be needed to remove sources of infection, such as collections of pus (abscesses).

Sepsis Other Treatments

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